lindsay



UNITED STATES PATENT ornion.

WM. H. LINDSAY, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

WATER-METER.

Specification of Letters Patent No. 9,647, dated April 5, 1853.

To all whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, VILLIAM HENRY LiNDsAY, of the city, county, and State of New York, have invented certain Improvements in Fluid-Meters and Hydraulic Engines, te.; and'to enable others skilled in the art to make and use my invention I do hereby declare that the following is a full and exact description of the said invention.

The principle or character which distinguishes my invention from others, in a machine or apparatus acted upon by a fluid, consists in lst, the peculiar combination of devices and the method of operation, by which the secondary engine with its valves is actuated and governed, combined with the same of the main or working engine and its valves, whereby certainty of action, smoothness of working, durability, and accuracy is more perfectly attained and combined, than in any other engine or apparatus operated by water or other non elastic fluid in an analogous manner with which I am acquainted. 2d, in the means whereby in dependent of all external appliances, the secondary engine, as also the main engine valves, are protected against an undue amount of travel in either direction, being a safety, or additional means provided to insure that result, when employed in connection with the valves otherwise governing their travel, or the entrance and exit of the acting medium to and from the secondary engine. And when not so employed in connection therewith, checking its travel, and thereby that of the main engine valves, by its own independent action. 3d, in the peculiar construction of the sluice or gridiron valves in the manner set forth, thereby relieving them of a portion of the pressure they would as ordinarily constructed be subject to, which decreases the power requisite to put them in motion, and their friction.

will now describe the construction and operation of the machine, and then show wherein my improvements consist, reference being made to the accompanying drawings.

Figure l, an elevation, on the side through which the fluid enters; Fig. 2, central sectional elevation; Fig. 3, central cross elevation; Fig. 4, central cross section; Fig. 5, end elevation; Figs. 6l and 62, sect-ions of the balanced gridiron valves and their seats, on the entrance side; Fig. 7, plan of one of the valves, with the recesses, on its under or face side.

The drawings represent the apparatus at that part of the plungers (C1 C2) travel in the direction of the arrows when the cross head (D) has just come in contact wit-h the stud or jam nut (g1) on the auxiliary engines valve motion rod (f) which is the first step toward producing shifting of the auX- iliary and main engines valves, causing the reciprocating action of the machine.

Supposing the stop-valve W, to be wholly or partially open, the fluid whereby the machine is operated passes through the central opening al, on the entrance side of the bed plate A, thence into the water way b1, from which it passes by the opening o1 o2, through the side pipes T1 T2, into the entrance valve chests O1 U2, but the ports in the valve seats 21, being covered by the position of valve P1, the fluid can only pass into the chamber or cylinder B2, and act upon the plunger C2, by being at liberty to pass through the ports in the valve seat 22, they being uncovered by the position of the valve P2, while by the action of the entering fluid on the plunger C2, the fluid in the cylinder B1, is displaced therefrom by the plunger C1, being forced forward in that direction, the fluid so displaced passing through the openings 41, 81 and 173, into the discharge valve chest @3,by the open ports in the valve seat 23, which are uncovered by the position ofthe discharge valve P4 thereon, (the discharge ports of the cylinder B2 being covered during the time that those of cylinder B1 are open) from whence it passes by the side pipe U1, attachedY to the under side of the chest O3, and into the channel b2, on the discharge side of bed plate at d1, when it is led off to the boiler, or other receptacle designed to receive or carry it olf by the central, or end openings,l l1 l2, as convenience or necessity may reqmre.

From the above it will readily be seen that when the entrance valve to the cylinder B2, is open that to the cylinder B1, is closed. 1While the discharge valve of the cylinder B2 is4 closed, thatof the cylinder B1, is open, a change of motion of the plungers C1 C2, in the opposite direction requiring a reversal of their several positions from the above. The passage of the fluid to and from the cylinders B1 B2 in both directions being understood, I will now explain the means whereby the valves of the main engine are operated by the auxiliary engines, together with the means whereby it is operated and governed in its travel, thereby producing the reciprocating action of the plungers C1 C2 and limiting them in the amount of their travel. The tappet or cross head D being in contact with the jam nut g2 (as shown) on the auxiliary engine valve motion rod f, by continuing its travel through the space 72,6, will during that time have just shifted through the medium of the rod j, the valves I1 I2, over the ports-ltl h2 h3 71,4, thereby reversing their position from that shown, (the space ft2 I make equal to a litt-le more than twice the breadth of the guide ports lh1 or h2,) and having them come in contact with the stud c1,by its further travel through the space j, (which I make equal to the breadth of thelcut 0H valve ports j1L or j2), it will through the medium of the motion rod H, have uncovered the ports jl j2, admitting of free access of the enteringV fluid to act on the plungers G1 G2, by means of the brackets V1 V2, keyed to it, operating the valves L1 L2, in the chests N1 N2, through the agency of the valve spindles j1 j2, while during this time, the advance of the rod H, moves the plunger pistons G1 G2, through the same space in the cylinders F1 F2, displacing the fluid in front of the plungers, which has full liberty to escape through the ports h1 7a2, and the exhaust openings 711 2'2 and 762 7a2, (the guide valves I1 I2, having fully shifted their position to allow of this early exhaust taking place prior to the commencement of the uncovering of ports j1 j2,) the cross heads M1 M2, during this time remaining stationary, they being loose on the rod H, but

should the plunger pistons G1 G2, on the fluid gaining access to the cylinders F1 F2,

during the uncovering of the ports j1 j2, attain a greater speed than that with which the pistons G1 C2, and cross head D, is moving, the effect will be that of causing the stud el, to move in advance of the cross head, and on the stud el, and bracket V2, reaching the cross heads M1 M2, to carry them along independent of any aid derived from the cross head D, but on the other hand, should the travel of the plungers G1 G2, be only equal to, or less than that of the cross head D, then the duty of carrying forward the cross heads M1 M2, and the entrance and discharge valves governing the main cylinders B1 B2, devolves on the cross head D, until it has carried them through the first half, o-r that portion of their -travel which completes the covering of the ports to and from the cylinders B1 B2, when the plungers C1 C2, as also the cross head, cannot travel farther' in that direction. The uncovering of the opposite entrance and discharge ports to and from the cylinders B1 B2, is performed by the continued travel of the pistons Gl G2,

until by the time they are fully uncoveredthe ports j1 j2, will have just been covered by the valves L1 L2, the openings or space being so adjusted in them in connection with the required length of travel of the main valves, as to cause the entrance of the fluid actuating the plungers G1 G2, to be shut olf from the cylinders F1 F 2, at or slightly in advance of the main valves required travel in either direction. As a reserve or safety means of insuring against the injurious effeet of their undue travel in either direction in case of an accident to, or the breakage or removal of the cut off valves, or their attachment, I construct the plunger pistons G1 G2, in the manner represented, with openings or slots parallel to each other, at such distance as taken in connection with the width of the shoulders or bridges S1 S2, running around their cylinders, as that with or `without the cut off valves Il I2, performing their duty, the travel of the plungers G1 G2, will be limited to a given distance in each y direction, as on the slots passing the bridges,

the fluid gains access to both sides of the plunger-s, which bring them to a state of gtie-n on the left hand, as shown on the right hand in the drawings, when the same action ltakes place for the reversal of the valves governing the direction of the plungers (C (l2) stroke, as above described.

In connection with the machine, I employ ,a loaded valve ZLl and air chamber ZG, be` :tween the source of supply and it, which admits of the escape of the fluid that cannot gain admittance to it, by the stop cock W being wholly or partially closed, while the air vessel takes off the jar or concussion incident to its use.

To record accurately the quantity of fluid in the barrels 51 52, which serve the double purpose of guiding them in their travel to and fro in it, as also protecting the counters action being tampered with. A cord r is wound around each of the barrels s1 s2 several times, and the ends made fast to the ends of the rod j), by which means motion is given to these barrels in accordance with the travel of the plungers C1 C2, the cross head D, the rod j?, and the cord j. These barrels work free on their respective spindles l t2. On the side of each barrel a pin is attached on which a set of motion clicks, al u2, work (as their fulcrum) of which I employ four or five in a set. Their construction is such that commencing from the inside one, or that next the barrel, which call the shortest, they are from that to the outside with the cross head D, it comes 1n' one which say is the longest, are each longer than the other by at least the distance due to their number divided into the space between the points of any two teeth on the wheels Q11 02, and their ends are projected at an angle from their points, equal at least to the space of one division, so that when the point of one is at the bottom of the tooth nearest to it the angular part of the end at least covers the point of the next shortest click, by which arrangement, the end of one or more of the clicks is under all circum` stances and in all positions in close contact against the teeth of the ratchet wheel they act upon, as the clicks have each a feathered elongation from their common center or fulcrum, which by means of another pin at the extremity nearly of their curved ends, springs each click into the tooth nearest to it. The ratchet wheels o1 02, are fast on their respective spindles t1 t2, which gives motion to the usual train of wheel work within the counters Z1 Z2 thereby causing the hands or fingers on their faces to rotate in proportion to the motion given the counter barrels s1 s2, by the travel of the plungers C1 C2. A similar set of clicks Z1 (Z2 not shown) as described, acting as stops have their fulcrums, on the back of the counter cases, which play into the teeth of the stop `ratchet wheels w1 (102 not shown) which are 'likewise fast on their spindles 151 t2. Y

l/Vhen the barrel to the left is recording the travel of the plungers C1 C2, in the direction of the arrows, or to the right, the barrel to the right is unrolling the cord wound around it and giving it to that on the left, which is taking it up in the same proportion and giving it out to the rod p, thereby always keeping it at a proper tension, and while the barrel s1 is revolving in that direction carrying the ends of the clicks u1, over the face of the ratchet wheels teeth r1, the spindles t1 is retained stationary by the back clicks Z1, on their ratchet wheel w1. The motion clicks u2, by the revolving of the barrel s2, carry around the ratchet wheel @2, and with it the spindle t2, thereby recording the plungers travel in the arrows direction. The stop ratchet wheel a02 during the above action being carried around against the ends of the stop clicks s2,- the same action taking place on the reverse travel.

I will now describe the construction and operation of the balanced sluice or gridiron valves which with but slight explanation will be readily understood by inspecting Figs. 6 and 7 of the drawings. rIhe pressure on the upper side is practically balanced by recessing the under or face side between the ports, leaving a suficiency only of metal to secure a proper bearing surface on the valve seat, as represented by the number 18 in Figs. 61 and 62. The valves so recessed being adjusted with the ports in the seats whereon they work, in such manner, that when the ports in the seats are uncovered as shown at Fig 62, a slot or opening on the side of or through the seat, allows the passage of the fluid or other medium of pressure to act on the under or recessed part of the valve. And when the ports in the seat are covered, as shown at Fig. G1, that the under or recessed side of the valve shall still receive the medium of pressure, whereby the valve is partially balanced, whether at rest, in motion, at cover, or uncover of the ports, and if they were not so adjusted relatively to each other, communication would be made through the slots or openings at the side of the ports, or through the seat, between the upper and lower mediums of pressure.

1n conclusion I would note the following minor details of construction and operation: The entering fluid which operates the auxiliary engines plunger pistons G1 G2,has free passage to the valve chests N1 N2, by the pipes 01, (02 not shown) from the entrance valve chests O1 O2, and when displaced from the cylinders F1 F2, is led 0E from the central chests k1 702, into which it passes by the exhaust passage 1 2 by pipes Z1 (Z2 not shown) which empty it in the central channel or well l, in the bed plate A, situated between the entrance and delivery channels 51 b2, from whence it is carried-ofil by a waste pipe. A small pipe is inserted in the cover of the chests N1 N2, (not shown) their ends terminating in the well of the bed plate, by which means whatever air may pass into the entrance valve chests with the fluid, will pass off by the pipes, 01 02 into the chests N1 N2, and from thence by those pipes, and previous to starting I perform the operation of blowing through, or expelling the air from the cylinders chests and passages &c., by opening the stop valves y1 'y2 m1 m2 and x1 m2, (some of which are not shown) when the air is driven out and the fluid taken its place, they are to be closed.

I will now set forth wherein the advantages of the connection between the cross head on the main cylinder with the rods operating the valves of the main and secondary engines consists. The arrangement c-f the studs g1 g2, on the rod f are at such distances thereon from each other, in connection with the arrangement of the studs `e1 e2, on the rod H, at such dist-ance thereon from each other, in excess of that between g1 and g2, as that during the travel of the cross head D, through the space 7L, the auxfiliary engines guide valves (I1 12) position from the studs e1 e2, that the spaces je j7,

which I make equal to or a little more than the breadth of the ports jl or i2, are contained between el and e2, over and above that occupied by the cross heads M1 M2, therein, respectively. The effect produced by these devices in connection with those stated above are the following: The guide valves (Il I2) governing the direction of the entrance and exhaust to and from the auxiliary engines are in advance, efficiently and surely placed in position to perform their otlice, through the medium of the travel of the cross head D, in connection with the arrangement relative to each other respectively of the studs g1 c1, or g2 e2, on their respective rods f and H, according to the direction of the plungers (C1 C2) travel, having accomplished which, during its further travel through the space y'G or j?, in connection with the cross heads M1 M2, being loose on the rod I-I, the entrance ports jl y2, are fully uncovered by the time it completes that distance, thereby at this point placing the auxiliary engines plunger pistons (G1 G2) in full and free communication with the medium of pressure that operates them, during which time, by the previous full reversal of the guide valves (Il I2) position from that shown, the fluid displaced from the cylinders (F1 F 2) by the movement of the plunger pistons also through the space j, has full and free liberty to exhaust through the port 71,1 and the exhaust passage z'l, from the cylinder F1, and the port h3 and the exhaust passage 2 from the cylinder F 2. rIhe cross heads M1 M2, during this time remain stationary. lThe rod H, working freevthrough them, permits of the above stages of the machines operation being completed. Not only prior to the valves of the main engine (or cylinders C2 C2) governing the entrance and exit of the fluid to and from them being put in motion, but without imposing on the cross head D, the additional duty, together with the jar or concussion incident to putting in motion the cross heads M1 M2, and the main valves (which would be the case if the cross heads were attached to the rod I-I) except in case of an accident by which the plunger pistons Gl G2 should fail to operate the valves of the main engine through the medium of the cross heads M1 M2, by the time the stud c2 passes through the space j, and reaches the position occupied by the cross head M1, and the bracket b2 passes through the space j?, and comes in contact with the cross head M2. In that case, then the cross head D, comes into operation as a reserve or safety means to close the valves of the main engine until it can travel no farther, by having taken up the cross heads during the continuance of its motion, and carried the main engines valves over their ports, thereby closing the entrance and exhaust to and from them,

when the plungers C1 C2, and the cross head D, are brought to a state of rest. This provision effectually guards against the possibility of the plungers (C1 C2) undue travel, and endangering the safety of the machine by bringing up on, if not carrying away the covers or ends of the cylinders in which they work, under such circumstances.

In propo-rtioning the length of opening or slot in the valves I1 I2 relatively with the desired length of travel of the main engine valves, as that taken in connection with their travel through the space jl or j, which is distinct and independent from theirs. The ports jl y'2, are covered by the valves I1 I2, at or slightly in advance of the main engines valves having fully reversed their previous positions whereby an undue travel of the auxiliary plunger pistons G1 G2, the valve I1 I2, and the main engines valves in either direction, is guarded against when the main engines valve motion is derived from the auxiliary plunger pistons G1 G2;

I do not claim operating the valves of the ,main engine or cylinders, by means of a secondary or independent engine, the valves of which are actuated through the medium of the primary engine, the same being well known in the construction and operation of hydraulic engines, &c., but

What I do claim as my invention and de sire to secure by Letters Patent isl. I claim operating in the manner and for the purpose herein described, the valves of secondary engine by the main engine through a portion of their movement, and completing the same through the medium of the secondary engine.

2. I claim connecting the cross head of lthe main cylinder with its valves rin the .manner described, so that said valves will close the ports of the main cylinder, in case the working parts of the secondary engine should fail to do their duty.

3. I do not claim the balancing of slide valves, as such has heretofore been done in various ways, but what I do claim is forming a recess or recesses in the under or working side of the slide valve, in combination with the secondary opening or openings through the seat, or in the side of the port or ports, for the purpose and in the manner, substantially as herein described.

4. I do not claim making a connection between opposite sides of the plunger piston at a certain portion'of its travel, as that has heretofore been done, but what I do claim is the combination of the bridge in the cylinder in combination with the openings in the plunger, for the purpose, and in the manner substantially as herein described.

WILLIAM HENRY LINDSAY. [11. s.] lVitnesses TWM. II. LINDSAY, ISAAC O. BARKER. 

